OUR WORSHIP
Jesus told the Samaritan woman that "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (Joh.4:24). From Jesus' statement we must conclude that acceptable worship involves the heart. Ritualism, or merely going through the motions of worship is not acceptable to God. Next, acceptable worship involves adherence to the divine pattern. Men are not at liberty to decide how God is to be worshipped. He has already decided that. From the New Testament we see God's pattern consisted of the following: First, Christians sing hymns, Psalms, and spiritual songs using their heart as their only instrument (Eph.5:19; Col.3:16). Second, they prayed with the men leading (1Tim.2:1,2,8). Third, they gave of their money as they had purpose in their heart and according to their ability (1Cor.16:1,2; 2Cor.9:7,8). Fourth, they partook of the Lord's Supper in memory of Jesus' death (Ac.20:7). And fifth, they listened to the Scriptures read and expounded (Ac.20:7; 2Tim.4:1,2). God's pattern for worship is one of simplicity and beauty. Sadly, many have rejected God's pattern, substituting unauthorized practices and entertainment. The Apostle Paul called such, "will worship," and strongly condemned it (Col.2:23).